Shaving After The Zombie Apocalypse

Sundries are items that are often overlooked in prepper articles I've read. While shaving may not be a requirement, looking clean and good can make one feel better. One thing preppers are always looking at are space needed. To set aside a bunch of space for disposable razors just doesn't fit my idea of good use.

Time to go "old school."

 Not as in a straight razor, but as in a double edge razor like our daddies used.




I've been using a double edge razor for a couple years now.  I started with one, then switched to various disposables for the next 30+ years. It took a little bit to get used to using a double edged razor again, but it came back quickly. One of the good things was price.  The best price I could find for my 3-blade disposables was about $1.25 each.  Since I'd use 1 a week, that was about $65 a year.  I paid $67 for my razor and 105 assorted blades.  It also came with 5 blades, so I had 110 to try out. I use a blade a week, more or less, so that was a razor and 2 year supply of blades for the cost of 1 year's worth of disposables. Now it's just buying blades so a 2 year supply of blades will cost from $9 to $23 depending on brand.  The good thing is a spare razor and a 2 year supply of blades uses about the same space as 2 - 8 packs of the disposables.




All of the blades above are stainless steel. The Derby blades are the lowest priced, and are of OK quality.  The Shark blades are better quality and are one of my favorites.  The Wilkinson Sword blades are probably the best quality.

What about Shaving Creme?  I've also went "Old School" here, going back to shaving soap and a brush.  Frankly, I like it better then the stuff that came out of the can.  I bought an inexpensive set to start:


This set came with a bowl, brush and soap for $10.  It all fits in a small (maybe 3"X6") box that doesn't take a lot of room in your storage box.  Replacement soaps are $18 for a dozen.

Each bar lasts me about 3 months. Since I used to by shaving gel at $3 a can that would last 4 - 6 weeks, the soap is much less expensive.  Why am I pointing out the cost saving?  The more you save on shaving gear, the more you can use for other prepper items.

Storage: 
To store a razor and blades put them in a zip lock baggie with an oxygen absorber and a silica packet (for moisture). Squeeze as much air out as possible, zip it closed and place it in another bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible, close and tape seal the outer bag.

The soap bars come in a plastic tub which seems to seal pretty well.  These are designed so the soap doesn't dry out while in the store so I'm not sure how well they'd do for long term storage.  I take the soap while still in the box, give it about 3 wraps of plastic wrap in one direction, turn it and give it another 3 in that direction.  Tape seal.

Final Notes:
I have dry, sensitive skin. I have to be careful what products I use.  The above products have given me no problems.  Also, the graphics above are links to the product page on Amazon.com.  If you decide to purchase these as a result of this post I'd appreciate to using those links. Thank you.